Written by Lucy Fudge
If discovering artists before they blow up is your thing, then The Great Escape is the perfect May weekend festival for you. The 2026 festival is running from the 13th to 16th of May. Maisie Peters, CMAT, Wolf Alice and Haim are just a handful of the phenomenal female artists who have taken to the stages in previous years, demonstrating just how much of a hotspot the festival is for new and emerging talent.
Spread across thirty venues in Brighton and showcasing over 400 artists from around the world, The Great Escape has solidified itself as one of the most important weekends for new music. This year’s festival has a line-up bursting with musicians who you need to have on your playlists, so here are eight incredible female-led acts to get you started.
When it comes to genre, SLAG refuses to be put in one box, pulling influences from every corner of the music world, and finding ways to make them fit together. Already a staple in the Brighton music scene, the five-piece is taking their show on the road this year, playing festivals up and down the country, so now is the perfect time to become an early fan of one of the most exciting new indie bands on the scene.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Jude Kelly lays it all on the table in her songwriting. From grappling with the urge to self-destruct to experiencing moments of true contentment, her captivating fusion of alt-pop, folk and soul, and her distinctive vocals pull you into her world, surrounding you with a unique and dramatic soundscape that you’re never going to forget.
Persia Holder has the kind of voice that sticks with you, her soulful vocals playing in the back of your mind as you lie in bed at night, unable to sleep. Chronicling life as a young adult in the modern world, Holder beautifully captures the spirit of early noughties pop ballads, bringing them into the present to create heartwrenching tracks which are highly relatable and emotionally charged.
Pairing funky synths with audacious lyricism, Girl Group have gone beyond pushing boundaries, instead opting to shatter them entirely. They are shamelessly twisting and redefining the concept of a ‘girl group’. With their playful brand of alt-pop, Girl Group are unapologetic in their mission to dismantle the patriarchy, determined to take back control, and look iconic doing it.
Soulful vocals and rich storytelling are two of the pillars on which Abbie Piper has built her music. Inspired by iconic musicians such as Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin, Piper’s fusion of R&B and soul pairs perfectly with her heartfelt lyricism to create a stunning sound which will quiet your mind and transport you away from the craziness of life.
Steeped in nostalgia with smooth piano and bewitching vocals, “My Life” is the first step on Julia Cumming’s journey as a solo artist. Reminiscent of 70s easy listening, the multi-instrumentalist and member of American rock band Sunflower Bean is forging a path of her own, declaring her independence and taking control of her career.
Flowing between neo-soul, R&B and jazz, Isabelle Mettle is a singer, songwriter and producer from North London. From writing her first songs at twelve years old, Mettle has honed the art of storytelling and continues to build bridges between genres in a way that will shape the future of soul.
Striking the balance between vulnerability and power, Elsa blends soul, jazz and hip-hop to create a dynamic backdrop for her poetic lyricism and storytelling. With a rapidly growing fan base, the South London artist has solidified herself as one to watch, receiving recognition from both BBC Radio 1 and Spotify.
For more information on this year’s line-up and schedules for all the venues, head to The Great Escape website or Instagram.
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